Piezoelectric generation of electrical power from surface waves on bodies of water using suspended weighted members
February 14, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3760402 Kinetic sensor employing polymeric piezoelectric material Weight actuated piezoelectric polymeric transducer Two sensitivity level kinetic sensor Wave powered electric generator Energy harnessing apparatus Power generation from waves near the surface of bodies of water Ocean wave energy conversion using piezoelectric material members Wave energy engine Patent #: 4742241 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 388558 filed on 02/14/1995US Classes:310/339, Voltage, spark or current generator60/497, Working member actuated by the rise and fall of a surface of a body of fluid290/53, TIDE AND WAVE MOTORS310/329Including inertia type operatorExaminersPrimary: Budd, Mark O.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassH01L 041/08AbstractA system for converting the mechanical energy of ocean waves to electrical energy comprises a weighted member supported from a piezoelectric element for applying a preselected strain to the element. In one embodiment, the element is supported by a float floating on the surface of the water. In another embodiment, the element is supported above the surface of the water and the weighted member, of negative buoyancy, is immersed in the water. The system functions, in use, as an oscillating, weighted spring and, for tuning the system to cause it to enter into mechanical resonance in response to passing waves, means are provided for tuning the natural frequency of the oscillating system.Field of SearchWith mechanical energy coupling meansIncluding inertia type operator Force or pressure measuring type Voltage, spark or current generator PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMERS (E.G., MYLAR, PVDF) Piezoelectric element shape Tide and wave motors TIDE AND WAVE MOTORS MOTOR HAVING A BUOYANT WORKING MEMBER Working member actuated by the rise and fall of a surface of a body of fluid | |
